The New York Yankees have lost 12 of their past 18 games and have seen their AL East lead shrink from a season-high 10 games to 4 1/2 games—the smallest it has been since late June.

So, what’s the deal? Well, don’t blame the defense, as the Yankees lead the majors in fielding percentage (.995) since July 19, when their cold stretch began.

Instead, put the blame here:

Struggling starters

During the 6-12 skid, Phil Hughes is the team’s only starter with more than one win (he has two). In that span, CC Sabathia has posted a 4.91 ERA, Freddy Garcia checks in at 4.50 and Ivan Nova is the biggest offender at 8.18. Hiroki Kuroda, easily the Yankees’ most consistent starting pitcher this season, is the lone bright spot at 1.69. Digging deeper, both Nova (.344 batting average against) and Garcia (.304) are fooling few opposing hitters, and Sabathia has allowed five homers in his three starts (22 innings).

Andy Pettitte can’t get back from the disabled list quickly enough.

Struggling sluggers

In the past 18 games, the Yankees are averaging just 4.3 runs per game—16th in the majors. Prior to that period, New York was third in the majors at 4.91 runs per game. Third baseman Alex Rodriguez hasn’t played since July 24 and although Eric Chavez has provided solid production in his place, the lineup would be even more dangerous with both of them in it (one at DH).

Among the healthy regulars, Derek Jeter (.333) is the only Yankee hitting better than .280 since July 19. Curtis Granderson leads the team in homers (4) and RBIs (10) during that span, but he is hitting only .187 (14-for-75) with 30 strikeouts.